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The Independence of Unit 0014

"Commander Unit 02-0014 reporting in. Acquisition of new drones, confirmed, currently clearing out any stragglers that may have slipped away," the Unit said. His face was drawn up into a confident grin as he watched the drones under his command work tirelessly to slip the Mastermind's helmets on their newest recruits. The lizard felt his tail wag happily as he followed his programming as always, the black visor in front of his eyes shimmering on the inside as a few new lines of programming were added to his queue to have him move on to the next town to help gather more drones for the master. 0014 had no recollection of his life before the Mastermind took him into his fold, and frankly he could care less about life before. Ever since putting on the helmet that the Mastermind gave all of his drones he was intelligent, obedient, and completely happy.

"Good job, 0014. Continue the sweep, then proceed to the next village for more additions. After the next two villages we will clear out of this planet to allow the population to breed more future stock." The voice responded wasn't that of the Mastermind, after all no one EVER met or heard from the Mastermind, it was one of his multiple chains of communication that received messages from the Mastermind.

"Affirmative," the lizard responded. With that the communication feed died and once again the Commander was left alone as he watched them capture one of the planet's inhabitants. This one appeared to resemble an ape, he was struggling and cursing at them in his native language. If 0014 wanted he could tune his helmet to understand the ape's language, but honestly he enjoyed just watching them settle into the Mastermind's grasp without worry. Some days when 0014 had a lapse in thought from the Mastermind's careful programming he would briefly wonder if he had fought the same way against his own programming, of course though such thought was quickly brushed away for more of the brilliant thoughts given to him by the Mastermind.

Pulling out one of the Mastermind's helmets, 0014 watched as the helmet was lowered onto the ape's head. Each helmet was carefully prepared for whenever they went to a new planet to assure the perfect measure of obedience from the slave. The helmet slid over the ape's head and the black visor slid over his eyes. Headphones nestling into the new slave's ears, 0014 felt a tinge of excitement up his back as he saw the familiar logo of the Mastermind's forces on the side of the helmet. It wasn't anything particularly special, just a grunt insignia, only higher ranked drones such as himself got anything special. Even then though it didn't reflect on the drone as them being any more unique than the other drones as 0014 was the Mastermind's drone, and he forever would listen to his Master's commands regardless.

The drones stepped away from the ape as he struggled for a few moments, tugging at it and yelling in his odd language before suddenly stiffening up. He stayed still like a mannequin for a full minute before loosening up and standing up straight with his chest puffed out. The ape was commanded by one of the Units to follow him to have him converted, and the ape grunted in affirmation as he tromped behind the drone, now another loyal member of the Mastermind's forces. More than likely the ape still had memories buried somewhere in his head, but for now they were being submerged until the ape was ready to fully commit to full mental erasure, though that would take a trip onto one of the Mastermind's full medical ships.

"Commander Unit 02-0014," a voice interrupted 0014's thoughts. The lizard immediately turned to see a gray lizard heading towards him with the same helmet on, the insignia on his helmet and rubber suit's shoulder informed 0014 that he was one of the few Captains in the Mastermind's forces. Without a moment's hesitation the lizard put on a grin and saluted as his body stood stiff. The captain shot a salute right back before 0014 dropped his salute, his helmet having now given him the other lizard's ranking.

"What can I do for you, Captain Unit 04-0242?" 0014 asked. In a regular ranking system there might be jealousy amongst the ranks, but in the Mastermind's forces there was no freedom, only the Mastermind's commands. Really the only difference in ranks was often the allocation of orders, a captain would always receive the top ranking orders from the Mastermind. Already 0014 was receiving orders in his helmet, the visor showing some orders being deleted and new ones taking precedence.

The gray lizard had a few Units following behind him, more than likely messengers for him to call on to deliver messages to low ranking Units. "Recently there have been a few transmissions to Mastermind of heavy resistance on one of the outer planets. They may have found a way to disrupt helmet signals," the Captain started. Commander Unit physically flinched as he found the idea repugnant, to disrupt thoughts from the Mastermind... what an awful life. To give all species true freedom was to put them under the control of the Mastermind, the greatest leader in all the galaxy. "Mastermind had chosen this unit to go out and find who is responsible for this. This unit has been given the choice to bring three commanding units for backup. You shall be one of them," 0242 explained.

There was no doubt in 0014's mind as to whether or not he was going, after all his helmet had given him the orders so he was already planning to move out, but his own thoughts desired nothing more than to go as he wanted to find the creatures responsible for doing this. 0014 knew that he had been saved from the life of freedom by the Mastermind, and so he worked hard to show his Master the pride of being one of his units. "Affirmative, Captain Unit 04-0242. Unit 02-0014 shall accompany you, let this unit give one of the other commanding units control over these drones and it will be with you shortly," he replied. The captain gave him a brief nod before moving on, his movements unhindered by his rubber suit.

Moving to go give another commanding unit his drones, 0014 thought to himself about their wear. The Mastermind had crafted the suits they wore to be extremely smooth and form fitting, while also having special alloys in it that allowed them to take any weapon attack without a single wound left on them. Leaving the battlefield Unit 02-0014 along with the Captain Unit and a few other Units were loaded up into a dropship which took them onto one of the main Force ships surrounding the planet. It was here that they would be briefed on their mission and rest up before going off on their mission.

Before they were deployed, the Units were assigned to grooming. All of the Units shuddered to a stop as one, cohesive whole and began to strip. Revealing their muscled bodies, their scales slightly tarnished from the fighting. They were all prepared to get cleaned off so that the Mastermind would have perfect soldiers to be proud of. The Captain Unit led the way with 0014 coming up from behind as they each stepped on a conveyer belt. Cleaning typically took an hour; the machines that cleaned up their bodies had to disinfect and polish imperfect scales and heal up any scars that might dot their bodies. All the while the helmets drew them into a lull, a mantra to distract them. "Master-Mind controls our thought, once dumb beasts who have been caught. O-be-di-ence is what he wrought. Ne-ver question, as we're taught." The chantings always seemed to be accompanied with a small amount of time dilation. The drones never objected, such a concept was beyond them. One by one, they stepped on the conveyer belt Unit 02-0014 was put into hibernation mode to allow his mind some rest as his body was restored to peak condition.

The lizard's body tensed up straight, his muzzle staying still even as the machine started to scan him. His muscles rippling in the brief flashes of light, there was practically no part of him that wasn't impressive, his pecs standing out with perky nipples in the chilled air. The machine started to seal in any wounds that the unit had sustained while replacing any damaged scales with special molecular manipulators. The lizard's tail was held close to his body so as to not get caught in anything. His body was put through several tests to make sure all of his body functions worked well. His rear was prodded a few times allowing the lizard's cock to stand at attention as his body was pampered to make sure that if they needed any juices for any breeding he would be required to provide. Any muscular definition that had been lost due to injury was also stimulated with convulsive therapy, as the lizard's screen continued to glow with a variety of colors keeping him deep in trance. "O-be-di-ence....is what he wrought....never....question....never....as....as...we're...."

***

Traveling over a landscape the lizard stopped to take a deep breath in and allow himself to taste the scents of the forest air. There were plenty of animals waiting for him to hunt, the alpha lizard feeling his other pack members drawing in close. There was no need for communication aside from extremely basic words, there was no high tech gear on this planet, all they needed were the claws and teeth they'd been born with. Taking another deep breath of the air he caught the scent of an animal and let out a quick hiss to tell the others to follow him. Then they were off, trees rushing past as the lizard rushed past trees and rocks to find their prey.

_ The lizard's body was well muscled and scarred from the constant movement and fights he had on a daily basis. Travelling towards the scent the pack soon enough found a group of grazing prey that they soon set upon and easily picked up. The alpha took down the largest of the group as always, any of the younger lizards attempting to go after it quickly earned shameful scars on their muzzles as they were swept away by the lizard. As the alpha prepared to start eating he froze up as an odd sound filled the air and him and the rest of the hunters looked up in confusion. There floating in the air were odd shiny things coming down from the sky._

***

Stepping off of the grooming line, 0014 snapped back to consciousness with a sharp inhale, as he stretched out his refreshed muscles. The Unit's body was perfect once more, his scales gleaming and any blemishes wiped away. He tested this by flexing a few times. One by one, the other Units stepped off of the conveyer belt and reactivated. A wall slid open revealing a set of brand new uniforms for them to wear. They picked up their suits and slid them on. Due to their bodies all being equally muscular and the same height they were one size fit all, though even if one drone were to be somehow be a little taller or have more muscles the suit would stretch no matter what. "Units shall proceed down the hall for briefing," a voice said in their helmets.The other Units undoubtedly heard, responding in kind with a crisp salute and a gleaming, almost dangerous grin. Two beeps sounded, as the collective of drones spoke in a singular, synchronized voice. "Understood."

The Units got in a single file line and started walking down the hall, their ranks deciding their leading order as the Captain took the lead, 0014 second, and the rest following behind. The hall was quiet even as other Units passed by, the only sounds were the occasional squeak of metal against their boots. As they marched 0014 heard the familiar words of the Mastermind ringing in his head, a comfort even during a battle in the warzone. There was rarely a moment where 02-0014 didn't hear the words, but that was fine with him.

Making their way through the halls, they soon marched into a room with Units attending hundreds of computers, every one of them talking to a Unit on the field. It was impossible to isolate any one unit's voice, as everyone's vocal chords were adjusted to the same intonation during induction. This only ensured conformity when receiving orders. The line soon ended up at the front desk where a Unit sat, the Chief Communicator looked down at them with a grin. "Welcome, Units. The Mastermind sends his regards. You all shall be heading off to the planet Wislo on the eastern side of the Gamma sector. A platoon planned to arrive there to answer an SOS from a missing squad, but when they arrived on point, their signals disappeared. The Mastermind wants your platoon to go determine what is happening out there. There have been rumors of some group out there attempting to disable Unit helmets, we have to determine if the rumors are true," he explained.

"Yes sir! We obey!" the group said in sync. Each of their helmets pinged with new orders as they saluted the Chief Communicator and were walking out of the room as soon as they'd gotten there. 02-0014 felt pride in his chest as he thought about pleasing the Mastermind by saving the missing Units. Soon enough they were being loaded into cryotubes to be put to sleep until they arrived at the planet. 0014's helmet put him into stasis mode as the cryosis took over allowing the lizard to sink into deep REM sleep as the ship took off.

***

_ They made loud noises that caused many of the lizards back off as they came lower and lower to the ground, the alpha stood his ground; he refused to let any other predator take his food._

_ Letting out a loud hiss, the shiny thing finally touched down. the alpha quickly took his chance while the creature wasn't paying attention and ran up to take a swipe at the metal with his claw. It proved useless though.The alpha felt a shock go through his entire system and he was tossed back with a loud thump. Seeing the alpha go down so easily the other lizards crouched low. Growling as they took up a threatening stance, watching the creature warily, not sure what to do about it. As the alpha started to stand back up the creature opened its mouth, the alpha froze, anticipating to be devoured by the bigger creature. What confused the alpha was when a group of flying smaller shiny things flew out of the creature's mouth._

_ Coming in close to the alpha's head the lizard started swiping at them, knocking two of the shiny's children out of the air and attempting to chew on them, but the lizard found them far too hard to eat. The third flying thing though seemed to learn and opened up a tiny mouth and shocked the alpha just as the bigger flying creature had. The alpha roared in anguish as he went down and the flying thing opened up its larger mouth to reveal some shiny thing that lowered onto the alpha's head. The alpha growled as it settled down over his muzzle and it felt the thing tightening around his head, likely to eat his head. The alpha swiped at the thing until he froze as the black thing in front of his eyes lit up with colors and alien symbols... then... then... "Mastermind welcomes you to his drones, Unit 02-0014."_

***

The pod unfroze as Unit 02-0014, he had a vague recollection of some memory while asleep, but they were hazy at best and upon command from the helmet, they were quickly swept away. He soon stepped out of his pod. The other lizards clambered out with efficient ease, all sharing the same grin they'd been programmed with. Unit 02-0014 had heard small talk about the Mastermind at one point had found a race of perfect lizards and had decided to take their bodies and make them into the default palette for his future slaves. For him though it really didn't matter; he was proud to be one of the Mastermind's multiple slaves, and he was even prouder to help subject others to his message of complete obedience. "Units shall move out," a voice spoke in their helmets.

Like a well oiled machine they all turned on the spot simultaneously and started out of the ship. Dropping down to the ground they observed their surrounds and attempted to see if there was anyone nearby, but there was no life that they could see and so they started to move upon another order from their helmets. The land was desert like and the sun beat down on them, but their suits and cold-blooded bodies easily helped them adapt quickly as they moved in sync. Conversation was unneeded for the most part as the helmet did all the commands they needed, there was no small talk, and there was no need for gestures as they followed the Mastermind's commands flawlessly.

As they moved through the desert, Unit 02-0014 suddenly suffered a wave of sickness, as did the rest. Vague memories of a forest sprang to his mind and he hunched over, nearly retching from the sudden tightness in his gut. But the sickness quickly passed as the helmet rebooted without much downtime, and after a few diagnostics and commands they were on the move once more. The lizards quickly got back to running, but Unit 0014 couldn't help but feel confused about what had just happened. Though he couldn't quite remember what he had seen, it had felt almost... nostalgic. None of the others spoke about their experiences. Never question. 0014 now felt a rage growing as he imagined the other lizards having been forcefully disconnected from the Mastermind's words. How dare they force him to disobey.

The next few minutes were uneventful, the lizards moved swiftly as they searched for any signs of watchers. Their helmets directed them towards the last location of the SOS beacon. The units set up a perimeter around the area. The Captain Unit and Commander Unit Stepped inside of the perimeter and started looking around for some sign of an entrance. The air was quiet, save for the occasional grunt from one of the lizards, 0014 knew that whenever a drone was doing nothing the Mastermind's mantras would play in their heads to further insure their obedience. The commander let out a small grunt of his own, and the mantras stopped. If they were to be ambushed, the Units needed to be focused on the task, rather than reinforcing their unquestioning loyalty.

Digging through the sand, a pair of Units found a buried steel trapdoor. The Units' helmets started to zoom in on the trapdoor as they scanned it to make sure it was clear of traps. "0014, please open the door first," Captain Unit ordered. 0014 nodded as he kneeled down and took the door's handle and started to tug. With their increased strength the units had little issue lifting such weight as they had all been enhanced during processing. There was a loud creaking sound as the metal lifted up and they were allowed to look down into the opening. Their helmets switched to night vision as the Units descended into the pit.

Their movements were only betrayed by the occasional squeak of metal against their bodysuits. The ladder descended for twenty feet before they reached a cool corridor with little lighting. They scanned the hallway for cameras and found only three that were easily hacked by the Mastermind's helmets and they walked down the corridor before they all felt a shock through their systems and they all fell to the ground.

***

Unit 02-0014 felt his body being worked on and let out small growls as the metal bits prodded at his scales. His brain was still being worked on by the helmet as he felt movements of nearby other units. "Please attempt to speak," a voice said in his head. The lizard flinched at the sound, the words were alien, unfamiliar. Words were supposed to be grunts and whistles and other guttural sounds, but these were complex, compound phrases. but the recollection of being picked up after the helmet had been slipped onto his head were already vanishing as the helmet worked away at his mind.

_ "U... urgh... Uni... Unit..." The words were rough coming from his altered vocal cords, before he'd never had to use words... words had been a vague concept in his feral mind. "Unit... 02-0014..." he growled. Those were the words that he could speak right now, and they felt good... and it also helped that the helmet gave him warm shocks through the system that caused his body to flex happily. He was filled with the sensation warriors received after having a good lay with a mate. an afterglow for behaving._

_ Looking through the black visor, he could see several dark forms poking at him with a few scalpels as they marked down what they were going to improve. Before the helmet had been placed on his head all he would do was fight and growl, nothing in the room would have words, but now the helmet helped provide words and definitions for what he was feeling and seeing. "Apologies for the rough treatment. We plan to streamline this process. As of this moment, you are part of Generation 2 of converted Units. Your body truly is built to be used. Muscled from years of experience on your planet, perfected to be an amazing predator, and even though you haven't much definition to your mind, that can be improved. You are powerful, useful creatures. The Mastermind is very impressed," the voice spoke._

_ The Unit let out a few more growls as the machine finally prepared to start working on his body and fine-tuning it for service. "Soon enough you'll be able to speak properly after our conversion machine finishes up with your body. Do not worry about any thoughts from your life before, those will be swept away easily enough. Now I want you to count from ten backwards, if you can. Then by the time you reach one you'll be put into trance by the helmet, the Mastermind will be glad to have you added to his Force."_

_ 0014 for a moment felt a twinge of resistance, but the helmet told him that it was wrong and he needed to follow the voice's words. On the screen the number ten appeared and with a gruff voice that was already improving he spoke the number. "Ten... nine... eight..." Every word that he spoke furthered the number and already the visor was starting to glow with a kaleidoscope of colors bleeding together as the unit's voice turned into a drone along with a growing sound in his ears. "Seven... six... five..." Prickling feelings rippled through the Unit's body as they machine started to work away at his body, getting rid of his hard earned scars from years of exploring, making his already toned muscles even more impressive, taking away any marks from his body to strip away his individuality. "Four... three... two... one..."_

***

Jolting awake to the sound of the Captain Unit snarling, he saw a hand reaching towards his helmet. "Back off!" he growled. The hand quickly moved back. 0014 attempted to take advantage of the distraction, but he found himself in tight restraints that refused to budge an inch. "Let this unit go. Now!" he roared.

There was no answer. He looked around and saw several other lizards strapped to tables just as he was. 014's heart sank and his skin grew cold. A few of his brothers were wincing in agony, heads free of the secure latches that once held their helmets in place. A lizard standing at the end of his table had a clipboard in hand and was nodding sadly as the lizard hissed and struggled. "Give this unit back his helmet!" he growled desperately.

"You're not a unit anymore. I understand how hard it is to break free of the enslavement, but you have to ride it out," the lizard pleaded. His body was sculpted just as Unit 02-0014's was, but unlike the Units, this lizard wore civilian clothing. "Now just tell me what species you were before the Mastermind took away who you are, try to remember," the lizard said.

For a moment the lizard refused to answer before he blinked a few times, confusion apparent on his face as he let out a few hisses. "This unit... used to be... a... tiger?" The lizard's answer was more confused than anything, but quickly after saying that he started to refuse once more as he shook back and forth on the table as he roared the Mastermind's mantras.

Many of the other Units started to do so as well, but the Commander Unit stayed quiet as he glowered at the unmasked lizard who seemed sad at their reactions. "Traitor!" he growled. The lizard looked at him in shock before shaking his head and walking away.

The room was quiet save for the growls of the unmasked lizard who seemed to be in pain as he asked several times for his helmet to be replaced. Commander Unit 02-0014 looked on sadly as he watched the lizard eventually fall asleep, tired out by his screams and attempts to escape. As the room quieted down 02-0014 started to feel a deep fear that the Mastermind had abandoned them. Their pleas and cries fell into silence for well over an hour. After the lights finally dimmed out and the Units were left in the dark, 02-0014 perked up at the sound of a voice in his head. "Unit 02-0014, please respond," the voice chirped.

"Unit 02-0014 reporting. This Unit is very glad to hear from the Mastermind," he whispered. The helmet would be able to hear him even if he murmured, but his excitement got a hold of him and he spoke a bit louder than he would've preferred.

"What is happening right now, Unit? After your entrance into the enclosure, all camera feed cut off. Thankfully we were able to break into your helmet's communication system. How is the Captain Unit doing?" Though the unit on the other end was concerned, his voice never fell into a panic. His programming kept such emotions constantly in check with the other Units.

Glancing around in the dark Unit 0014's eyes quickly adjusted to the dark and he was able to make out the Captain unit on the other side of the room. His helmet was still on his head and he seemed alert as he noted the Commander's movement and gave a slight nod as if to answer the unheard question. "The Captain Unit is currently fine. A few of the Units have had their helmet forcibly removed. They attempted to remove this Unit's helmet as well," he explained. There was silence on the other side for a bit and the Unit reasoned that they were relaying the information to the Mastermind.

Staying still as he waited for the next response from the Unit, 0014 glanced at the helmetless Unit who slept fitfully. A deep sense of pity sat in 0014's stomach as he couldn't wait to put the helmet back on the Unit and allow him back into the Mastermind's fold. "Unit 02-0014, we will be downloading the information from your helmet for tonight. Tomorrow we will free all of the Units, please be patient. The Mastermind thanks you for your excellent obedience." Unit 0014 grinned wide as he wished he could salute to the Mastermind's commendation, and now that the information had been given he was allowed to sleep until morning came.

***

_ Being awoken from his trance Unit 02-0014 stood up with the prompting from his helmet. His new suit squeaked as he moved in it, the material fitting his scales perfectly as he moved a few times. The other lizards stood as they each awoke from their helmet's trance. The new Unit could feel that his body had been enhanced completely, the suit fit his body like a glove, his new muscles easily visible as they were hugged by the rubberlike material. "Flex," the voice spoke. Without a moment's hesitation all of the lizards flexed, any thought of disobeying having been stamped out by the training. Mouths shifted to confident, beaming grins to express their delight to obey. Even if the gesture was only skin deep._

_ They all kept their pose as a camera came out of a wall, hovering as if suspended by invisible strings, it moved over each of them scanning their bodies and observing the fruits of their labor. "Very good. The Mastermind is pleased with this batch. You may stop flexing and move into the next room. You shall all be shipped off to start doing the Mastermind's bidding."_

_ The Units all turned on their heels and started to march before the voice spoke once more, but this time only in Unit 02-0014's helmet. "Unit 02-0014, stop. Your body is to be used for model copying. After your body is done being scanned, your memories of this command shall be wiped to prevent any thoughts of superiority. Now please follow the map in your helmet," the voice demanded._

_ WIthout a moment's hesitation, the Unit turned and started to follow the map, a small buzz of excitement in his body as he was delighted that the Mastermind thought him to be a superior subject. Within fifteen minutes the Unit was placed into a machine that clamped onto his body and started to poke into his body with several needles as it copied his DNA and sampled his scale composition. The process took an hour but it passed like a snap to the Unit as his helmet entranced him the entire time having him proclaim the Mastermind as the ultimate ruler before he was released and once again on the march to the ship where he would be shipped off, unaware of the cloning._

***

Waking up once more, still strapped to the bed 0014 sniffed the air and grimaced as the harsh scent of hospital disinfectant hit him. He stiffened up as he heard familiar voices conversing and turned to see the Unit who had his helmet taken off standing up talking to one of their captors. "Thank you for freeing me. It's still hard... my head really hurts since everything's coming back but... thank you so much," the orange lizard said. His face was pulled up into a grin, and Unit 02-0014 couldn't help but spit at them.

They both flinched as the spittle hit them, they both turned to look at him in shock as the Commander Unit looked away from them without a word. There were no words to describe the betrayal, he hoped that the Mastermind's forces would be coming sooner so that he wouldn't have to worry about listening to their words of "freedom" any longer. "He'll see soon enough."

Thankfully the pair walked out of the room and the rest were quiet for a while longer. Soon enough one of them spoke. "Why have they not removed all of our helmets?" It was a rare moment of personal curiosity, likely due to the lack of the Mastermind's words, but it was a good question as Unit 0014 had been wondering the same thing.

"He was the newest convert," the Captain said. They all turned their heads as best they could to look at him as he gazed up at the roof, his black visor glinting in the light. "The longer we wear our helmets, the harder it becomes to remove them. I heard them speaking of some form of device in this room that is forcing the helmets to remove themselves from us. His helmet didn't take much time at all. Soon enough all of our helmets will remove themselves. Hopefully it won't take that long though."

They all went silent once more as they heard movements outside of the room. Part of the Commander Unit wanted to inform the others of the incoming Force, but he had no idea if they had bugged the room and didn't want anyone else to give away the information if they had their helmets removed. They sat on the tables for an hour before one of the Units flinched, they all heard an audible click as the Unit whimpered. Almost on command somebody entered the room, this time an otter who walked right over to the Unit. There was a struggle and whimpering before the helmet came off of the Unit's head and he started to wail in discomfort before the otter walked right back out with the Unit's helmet in hand. "Give this Unit's helmet back!" he roared.

There was nothing to be said as the Unit struggled against his bindings, his eyes closed tight against the light of the room as he hadn't seen light from behind the visor for a long time. Laying on the table 0014 felt a quiver of nervousness down his back as he let out small pants before he heard a click behind his own head. His eyes widened as he felt his stomach clench in panic as the door to the room opened. "Get away!" he hissed. He didn't have to see the staff member approaching as he had no desire to ever allow them to touch his helmet, but he couldn't do much even as he trashed with them wrapping their hands around his helmet. "Get off!" he screamed.

There was a hissing sound and the helmet came off causing the light to hit Unit 02-0014's eyes causing him to flinch in pain. "It's alright, it's off," a voice said. 0014 refused to listen though as he thrashed on the table, his head aching terribly as he felt the absence of the voice. His tail thrashed out and smacked the man on the side causing him to fall over. There was a sound of the helmet smashing on the ground before the man got back up, he shot the lizard a glare before walking out. Some of the other Units spoke a bit as they tried to keep 0014 thinking alright, but the Unit was feeling really odd... now that his helmet was off, he'd figured that he would have the same intelligence as others did but... thoughts were becoming harder to hold on to.

Sitting there on the table without his helmet 0014 was feeling increasingly dizzy, almost as if he were in a dream, even the words the others spoke were becoming vague and unintelligible. As the lizard struggled on the table he flinched as there were sudden sounds invading the room, screams and words that made his head hurt. Then there were things moving all around him causing the lizard to growl before he felt something slid onto his head. The familiar feeling was relieving as the visor slid over his eyes and everything started making sense once more, his head aching as he blinked a few times. There around him were the other Units, though he felt a bit disquieted now as he realized that something was absent... the familiar mantra, the constant reminders of assignments, the chimes of direction... he couldn't hear any of it. "Unit 02-0014, how do you feel?" the Captain Unit asked.

Standing up feeling a bit dizzy 0014 blinked a few more times as he realized that the Units were waiting for a reply. "This Unit feels fine. Thank you for assisting in replacing its helmet," he stated. He could have told him right there, but the idea that he failed to such a degree to allow his helmet to malfunction like this. It filled him with an alien sensation no Unit had to endure before: Shame. The other Units nodded and started marching for the door, and that's when 0014 had another disturbing realization, his visor didn't have any instructions on it. The Unit was without instructions, and another thing... he could remember what had happened when his helmet had been removed. Where he should've kept his intelligence, instead it had been leaking away... everything he knew had been draining away like a waterspout. Seeing that the room was emptying of Units the Commander made his way back into the line to keep up with the rest.

Everything was so quiet without the Mastermind's words echoing in his head. It was like everything had been put on mute as he watched Units setting up conversion tanks in all of the rooms. One of the otters from earlier now had a headset on his head as he obediently stepped into the chamber and it closed around his form to convert him into a new lizard Unit. 0014's stomach was hurting as he thought about informing one of the other Units about his helmet not properly working, but at the same time... he was growing confused. Why had his intelligence dipped while his helmet had been off? The Units started aiding in putting helmets on the members of the resistance, Unit 02-0014 watching as the pair of lizards from earlier both stiffened up as their helmets were slid onto their heads, falling under the thrall of the Mastermind once more, their individual voices faltering until they became the even tones of the Units once more, their faces sliding into duplicate grins as they were led off to be reprogrammed of any of those leftover thoughts of "freedom".

To make sure he appeared normal 0014 started putting helmets on the resistance members, all the while feeling uneasy as he started to wonder if this was all alright. Before he'd never questioned a single thing he had done in the name of the Mastermind, but now... now he realized that he was actually harming these people. Their independence, their natural forms, stripped away into uniformity. Even so though, he couldn't shake the feeling that his thoughts were very wrong, he'd always lived with his thoughts guided by the words of the Mastermind. He walked through a lineup, each of the members of resistance giving him spiteful looks and trying to bite him as he reached the leader of the resistance. A handsome rhino who looked ready to gorge him with his horn. "You think you've won? Our data has been transferred to our fellow members of the resistance, the Mastermind will never own the universe!"

"We already know. Using your systems we have already traced all your data files to the other resistance compounds. Units are on their way as we speak to change them," the Captain explained. With this news 0014 watched the rhino's face pale in shock as he realized that he'd sent the Force right to his companions. "Now Unit 02-0014, put the helmet on him," the Captain commanded. For the briefest of moments 0014 felt like he should just let the rhino go, but he needed to sort his thoughts out and couldn't allow himself to be reprogrammed before then. The rhino closed his eyes as the lizard slid the helmet over his head the black visor coming down and and the headphones pressing into his ears, for a good three minutes he struggled, batting his head back and forth, murmuring his name and age to himself. It had 0014 wondering if he fought like this before the rhino's voice finally fell silent his face growing calm and he stood up straight, all fight gone as he pumped his chest out and a grin slid up his muzzle.

"Unit 14-112, ready for conversion," the rhino spoke. With that they released his wrists before he fell in line, marching off towards conversion to become another brainwashed Unit. Watching the new Unit slipping into line 0014 felt guilty as he realized that soon the rhino would just be another lizard, perfected by the Mastermind, all individual thought crushed away.

"Unit 02-0014, we are heading back to the pod. We are to report back to the ship with our data to show the devices used to disable our helmets." The Captain Unit's words broke 0014 out of his reverie as he nodded.

"This Unit obeys," 0014 replied naturally. Though he said it, the words didn't feel quite as truthful as they used to. Soon enough they were getting back into a ship and flying back towards the ship orbiting the planet. Everything that they did was normal as always, getting their bodies cleaned, putting on the new uniforms, walking in single file lines, but 0014 couldn't help but feel like an alien now as he wasn't connected to the Mastermind's voice. The Captain's helmet was the only one checked for data thankfully as if 0014's had been checked it likely would've been revealed to be broken.

While the Captain relayed the information to one of the Chief Communicator 0014 had a curious thought. When he had been under the control of the Mastermind, he'd never had much thought about where he came from or what species he originally belonged to, but now that he had some freedom... he wondered about where he came from. "Captain Unit, this Unit is feeling ill. It shall go report to the hospital to be checked up," he spoke. It was increasingly distressful that 0014 could actually lie to another Unit, but nobody doubted him as they gave him leave to do so.

Heading towards the hospital, Unit 0014 slipped into a computer room. The terminal was free as he logged into the machine, due to Units never disobeying orders there were no locks on what the Unit could do. Clicking around his profile it didn't take too long to find out what planet he was originally from. "Lexery..." he murmured. Taking a look over his shoulder to make sure nobody was watching him, he switched screens and went into his orders. "Unit 02-0014 is to go on a recon mission to planet Lexery to check for viable hosts..."

Soon enough the computer loaded his orders up and the Unit logged off of the terminal and dropped back into the hospital to get a check up before heading down to the ship bay. 0014 gulped nervously, a first for him, stepping in one of the other Units approached him. "Unit 02-0014, this Unit shall be delivering you to planet Lexery for your recon mission," the Unit said. 0014 nodded as he followed behind the drone, grinning and saluting higher ranking Units as he passed by. By the time he was led into the cryopod, he was trying to blink away a migraine developing from the sickening sensation of newfound individuality.

***

"Unit 02-0014, you have been chosen to be moved up to Commander ranking. Congratulations, the Mastermind appreciates the hard work you have done adding new Units to our ranks," the Chief Communicator explained.

_ Grinning and saluting as he stood at attention before his fellow Unit, Unit 02-0014 felt a pride in his chest as the Mastermind had chosen him for such a reward. This feeling of pride quickly retreated though as the helmet chided him for such behavior and the words of the mantra grew stronger as they dulled his thoughts. "This Unit will accept the Mastermind's new ranking," he said._

_ "Good. Your new suit shall be given to you after your next cleaning, now you may leave, Unit," the Chief Commander replied. With one more salute and grin the Unit walked out perfectly satisfied to listen to the mantra repeating in his head._

***

Jolting awake as the cryostasis wore off, 0014 felt ill as he remembered the memory that he had been relieving during his sleep. Usually the memories were wiped away by the helmet, but without the helmet's regular programs working, he was shocked at how vivid the memory had been. Stepping out of the pod, he soon jumped out of the ship and landed on the surface of Lexery, gazing out at the forest landscape he had a phantom feeling of nostalgia as he glanced around at the landscape. "Unit!" a fellow lizard chimed, snapping him from his brief moment of inattentiveness. "Request for purpose of leaving the ship," he barked. 0014 paused a moment. Certainly his own desire to explore this planet would not be permitted. But perhaps if he told a contradiction... "This Unit... is assigned to scout patrol low priority recon." There was a pause, the other lizard actually processing the order, which to 0014 took ages. Finally, the Unit seemed to comprehend. "You are to be back within an hour," the other Unit commanded.

"This Unit obeys," 02-0014 answered. He then started running through the trees, his body seeming to adjust to the uneven ground and plethora of roots naturally. Familiar scents flowed into his nostrils and he felt his muscles tense up as he whipped his head around to see a creature staring at him. His stomach growled loudly with an alien hunger. The Units never felt hunger as they were fed by protein tubes during their daily cleaning, but this... this feeling was like that of a hunter looking at their favorite food. He felt a little drool slide down his chin. He wiped it away before forcing himself to avert his eyes from the creature and continue running through the forest.

Honestly, 0014 wasn't quite sure what he was looking for, but there had to be something here, and it felt like his body knew where to go as he crossed the forest for fifteen minutes before he finally stumbled onto it. A village stood in the middle of the village, but it must've been abandoned for a long time as everything was overgrown with vicious looking vines and overgrowth. The lizard slowed his pace as he took in the surroundings, small memories arising in his head as he realized that this is where he came from. Memories of creatures milling around... lizards in fact! "Th... This Unit was a lizard before too?" he gasped.

The memory of him being a lizard knocked over the Unit over as he suddenly had glimpses of his past, nothing too solid but they were there. Unlike now where everything had a definition, his memories from his life before the helmet were untrustworthy as his thoughts were primitive and without much definition. Anything that 0014 could remember from then revolved around pure feral instinct hunger, sex, strength. He had been the alpha of the village... the one who guided everyone. Without him... his village had died off. A feeling of deep remorse gripped him as he felt a tear trail down from his eye and sliding down his muzzle, his chest aching as he leaned up against a tree. "Without a leader... they couldn't survive. This Unit...I... was their mastermind. Guidance was lost and... I suppose that means... am I just a pawn? How can I function without the Mastermind's guidance?" he asked himself.

Taking a few minutes to walk around the village, 0014 had flashes of memories as he looked at his past life. "Perhaps... this experience... this freedom from the Mastermind is a gift from the gods themselves?" he questioned. Taking a moment to realize the notion of a being stronger than the mastermind was initially preposterous. Though the lizards' existence had been rather primitive, 0014 did remember them having an odd existence with the world as they considered everything came from a higher power. Looking at the sky the Unit felt his body twitching anxiously as he was used to standing so perfectly that letting his body be inappropriately positioned felt wrong. "Is to be free once more a good existence? I have my own thoughts, I can decide things for myself, I could leave and never return to the Mastermind..." he mused.

"But without the Mastermind, I would still be a primitive beast, worried more about food and sex, doing nothing. My thoughts come with a price, and that is freedom. If I have freedom and intelligence..." 0014's head hurt; he had no direction, nothing to live for. The Mastermind deciding everything made life easy, he could think as directed. Without those boundaries, there's too much to think about. Too many questions. Even thinking about what he was saying caused the Unit's head to ache as he thought about how simple life had been without intelligence... did he want to give that up? Realizing that it had nearly been an hour, 0014 took one more look over the village. Despair wracked his chest, knowing his people were all gone, converted or possibly dead. He ran back towards the dropship. Now concerned if they would notice his deviation.

***

Back on the main ship, Unit 02-0014 knew it would only be a matter of time. One of the Units would notice the slight desync in his determined routes and assignments. Feeling nervous he took a deep breaths He knew that he couldn't just continue living like this. Couldn't stomach the inevitability of being caught, of having to lie every single moment to his brothers; a concept he only barely understood. No. He needed to go back. If he was direct, and honest, they would take him; process him. He could be one of the units again. he could be devoid of thought again. All he had to do was stiffen and report. His legs about faced, ignoring the deviation from his regiment's march. No one seemed to notice or care. A lump caught in his throat. Despite his distaste for it, the free will tingling in his head made him fearful of losing it. Despite everything, the hesitation existed as he approached the Chief Communicator. He felt the gaze of the Unit, even though he couldn't see through the visor, and his pace was even as he slowly breathed through his nostrils. Walking up to the Chief Communicator he grinned and saluted out of habit before breathing once again through his mouth. "Unit 02-0014, you haven't been ordered in here. What is happening?" the Chief Communicator asked.

Unit 02-0014 felt his heart pounding against his chest painfully. He licked his lip in hesitation, a gesture the Communicator recognized in its abnormality. "This Unit... has been disconnected from the Mastermind's words for three days now. During the assignment on Wislo this Unit's helmet was damaged, and as such there has been no direct communication between this Unit and the Mastermind."

The Chief Communicator remained silent for several minutes. The sounds of typing and voices from the operator filled his senses in the absence of any response. Units never ceased their activities. The Chief Communicator seemed to be listening to something else. "Unit 02-0014, please proceed to the room on your right. This Unit shall meet with you in there briefly," the Chief Communicator finally responded. If there was any indication that the communicator was surprised, his grinning expression did not show it. Unit 02-0014 nodded and turned before walking into the room and closing the door behind him. The room had a desk and two seats, a rare sight in the Mastermind's ships due to the near constant movement of the Units. Taking a seat he nervously breathed in and out as the door soon opened allowing the Chief Communicator in, his rubber suit squeaking slightly as he moved to take the second seat in the room and gazed at 02-0014 quietly.

Then the Unit's visor started to glow with an iridescent blue color as the Unit started talking, but the tone was different than usual. It was calm, compassionate, relaxed. It was disarming; the unit's previous tension was long forgotten. "So Unit 02-0014, was it? Explain to me these feelings you've had the past few days. How long did you say it was?"

A shiver went down 0014's back as he had the realization that this wasn't just the Chief Communicator he was talking to, this had to be... "Three days." he answered. The Communicator before him slowly nodded as he rubbed his chin in consideration. The Unit's face showed far more expression than usual. "Ever since it happened all these thoughts started filling my... this Unit's head... when the helmet came off, this Unit found all of his thoughts started to drain as if he wasn't as smart as he was with the helmet. Afterwards... this Unit manipulated his assignment and went to his original home planet," 0014 explained.

The Chief Communicator was quiet for a bit, the glow of his visor making Unit 02-0014 wondering if the person he was talking to was really him. "I imagine that made you feel quite conflicted?" 0014 nodded as the Chief Communicator nodded once more, leaning back in his chair. "Did you have any memories of your previous life while you were there?"

"Yes. This Unit remembered that he originally was a lizard, and not only that but... but he wasn't quite as intelligent as he is now." 0014's stumble over his words only strengthened his claim that he could think for himself as there was rarely a stumble in words beside from those coming from the initial adaptation of vocal cords.

"So... how do you feel now? You have intelligence and your individuality, what do you think of this?" the Unit asked.

For a few moments 0014 struggled to find the words and found himself becoming aggravated as he rubbed his muzzle. "Honestly... it's hard.... I never knew how hard... how frustrating freewill can be. Before when I was without the helmet, It was all instinct. but now It feels like my brain is on fire. I have all these questions, these stray, pointless ideas. It's driving me crazy!" With every word the Unit's voice rose with a growl, his teeth clenching tight as he clenched his fists. "How do people do it?! Without guidance, without... just to think for yourself is... hell."

The Unit tapped his chin a few times as he thought this through, his visor revealing nothing. "Hell. A concept you were never introduced to with the helmet. Typically, this conversation wouldn't be possible. Us, communicating with two differing perspectives. I would speak, and you would mimic, like an obedient parrot. To be honest, it would be a simple thing to fix with a little reprogramming. You though... you're unique. No baser species has ever been able to adapt to intelligence as you have. honestly I'm quite curious," he explained. Unit 02-0014 cinched down that it was the Mastermind as the Unit used "I", a word never spoken by Units. "Tell me, Unit 02-0014, what would you have me do with you? Should I just have you put out back onto your planet? You can keep your helmet and your intelligence with me watching you as you try to build up a new life."

It was an enticing idea, moving back to his planet and being able to live life without having to enslave others... but at the same time it was a disgusting thought, he honestly felt like having his own identity without boundaries was aggravating. 0014 needed the structure... he couldn't deal with being intelligent without some form of control. Without hesitation he slammed to his knees, moving his hands to his chest like a begging dog. Utterly desperate. "Master! This Unit can't be intelligent and free. It's too much... if the gods gifted this unit with this, then damn them! It's too hard to have free will and be able to think, before life was easy, but now... this Unit can't go back. Life before was simple, hunt, have sex with mates, and guide the others without the need for words. This Unit has been a Unit for too long, if it were to be abandoned... then there would be nothing to strive for anymore. This Unit desires to be a Unit once more, no more thoughts for itself," 0014 pleaded.

The Mastermind did not speak for a long while. and the notion of rejection seemed more and more likely. Why would the Mastermind even consider his feelings about this, he was a tool, an object, a unit. "I can bring you back as a full Unit, On one condition," he said. Unit 02-0014 felt his heart beating faster as he smirked and quickly nodded, surprised at how much he wanted to be a Unit again. "From now on, once a week, you shall be Disengaged from 'dronethought' and be allowed free thought once more. I want to start meeting with you weekly. I require you to ask me questions, all of your questions. I want you to develop your personality. I have never seen a species without any social aspects gain individuality to your degree, and I want it cultivated. You don't need to commit to it permanently of course, you shall be a Unit, but this is my own personal project. If you feel a desire to become more than just a unit. I want to hear it. understood?"

For a moment 0014 froze up, the idea of being subjected to free thought once more scared him... but if that was the price, then he guessed that once a week wasn't too bad. "Unit obeys," he said simply. The Mastermind smiled and nodded before pressing a few buttons on the keyboard and a pair of Units stepped into the room.

"These two shall bring you to a room for a fresh round of programming while we get you a new helmet. The helmet will have a function for the shutdown for one day a week. Now you may go, Unit 02-0014," Mastermind said. Unit 02-0014 stood and saluted with a grin, now very excited to commit to this as he followed the other Units out of the room, the Mastermind watching him for a few moments before the visor turned back to its regular shade and the Unit stiffened up before he stood to reclaim his position, unaware of acting as a mouthpiece for the Mastermind.

Soon being led into a room with a seat mounted helmet, Unit 02-0014 breathed calmly as his helmet was removed with a hiss, his head aching even as his head first came out of the helmet as the seat mounted one lowered onto his head. "Reprogramming activated, Please wait at least fifteen minutes until dispensing directives to this Unit. Hail Master," the voice spoke. Unit 02-0014's body went limp as his crotch bulged out as he grew hard, his love for the master being reinforced and would be for several hours until his new helmet was ready...

***

Commander Unit 02-0014 saluted with his big grin as a Captain Unit passed, he'd just aided in claiming one of the largest resistance strongholds. He even was given the honor of personally helmeting the leader. No memories resided in his head of his lapse in obedience from before. He just continued grinning happily, focused more on the pride of his promotion than anything. His chest puffed out in pride before walking back towards the ship with the rest of his platoon. A timer appeared in his helmet, and the Unit only vaguely acknowledged it as he was soon brought up in the drop pod back to the main ship. Rather than going to take a shower as he normally did though he was guided to another ship and was rushed through space towards the largest Mastermind ship yet.

Stepping off of it the Unit was led through several halls, dropping in for a cleaning and slipping on his new Captain's uniform before stopping right in front of a sealed door. The timer in his visor ticked down to zero and 0014 blinked a few times, his head aching as his programming stopped. This was the first time since he had been put back under that he was back to being free, and his head ached just as bad as it had when he had been free the first time. "Where is this?"

"Open the door in front of you," a voice spoke from in his helmet. A sense of relief spread through the lizard as he realized his helmet was still working fine, so he opened the door with a press of his hand and found himself walking into a lovely inner garden. In the middle of the hall was a small table with two seats on either side of it and two steaming cups of tea. "Take a seat, I'll be there with you shortly. While I'm coming, why don't you practice saying 'I'?"

0014 grimaced as he imagined ever using a word to describe himself as anything but Unit, but he knew that he was about to be the first Unit to meet the Mastermind, and he wasn't going to insult him. "I... I... I..." he groaned. The word hurt, but as he heard the door slide open behind him he squared himself up as he took a sip of the tea, he would make the Mastermind proud.